Philosophy of Pain and its Management

Pain, or even the anticipation of pain, can cause severe stress, decreasing a person's strength, coordination and independence. It can even lead to depression.

Extensive studies of the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology of the phenomenon show that the perceived intensity of pain is not proportional to the type or extent of tissue damage. Research has also shown that an individual's perception of pain and appreciation of its meaning are complex phenomena that involve many sites within the central nervous system, including psychological and emotional processes.¹

The American Academy of Pain Management has defined pain control as:

1. the systematic study of clinical and basic science and its application for the reduction of pain and suffering;
2. the blending of tools, techniques and principles taken from the discrete healing art disciplines and reformulated as a holistic application for the reduction of pain and suffering; and
3. a newly emerging discipline emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach with a goal of reduction of pain and suffering.

The vision of AstraZeneca PLC is to become the leading company in pain control worldwide through its commitment to the development of drugs that will decrease the suffering caused by this condition.